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This week in science: Smoking and memory, reading to premies, and an urban mystery

By Mary Louise Kelly,
Regina G. Barber, Emily Kwong
Published October 17, 2025 at 3:28 PM CDT

Regina Barber and Emily Kwong of NPR's Short Wave talk about the brain benefits of quitting cigarettes, language development in premature babies, and a mysterious imprint in a Chicago sidewalk.

Copyright 2025 NPR
Mary Louise Kelly
Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.
See stories by Mary Louise Kelly
Regina G. Barber
Regina G. Barber is Short Wave's Scientist in Residence. She contributes original reporting on STEM and guest hosts the show.
Emily Kwong
Emily Kwong (she/her) is the reporter for NPR's daily science podcast, Short Wave. The podcast explores new discoveries, everyday mysteries and the science behind the headlines — all in about 10 minutes, Monday through Friday.
See stories by Emily Kwong